Council’s Plan for Gosford to be iconic waterfront THE CENTRAL COAST‘S MOST TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS Building Commissioner lauds North for achieving iCIRT Gold Star rating Print Post Approved – PP100001854 Published monthly (except January) October 2022 Page 4 Edgar Adams’Editorial Council’s plans for Gosford Waterfront an opportunity we cannot allow to get side-tracked Works starts on Rumbalara project for aspirational buyers Opposition Leader Guest Speaker at Gosford Erina Business Chamber meeting Minister Roberts addresses UDIA members
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3 Business news 5 Housing industry summit discusses housing crisis 6 Minister Roberts addresses UDIA members 6 Greater Cities Commission appoints Central Coast Commissioner 7 Building Commissioner lauds North for achieving iCIRT Gold Star rating 8 Works starts on Rumbalara project for aspirational buyers 8 Opposition Leader Guest Speaker at Gosford Erina Business Chamber meeting 9 HIA responds to DA delays 9 Feds kick in $500 million for SydneyNewcastle fast train 10 Central Coast Industry Festival 11 Manufacturers’ Expo highlights depth of Coast’s manufacturing industries 12 Coast builders shine at Newcastle MBA 2022 Excellence Awards 12 Star 104.5 breaks records across the Coast 13 Broken Bay Pearl Farm to establish seafood processing facility 15 Council’s Plan for Gosford to be iconic waterfront 17 Strong investor support for Tuggerah industrial property 17 Sydney investor buys in Highpoint Erina 18 Education company leases in Gosford 19 Mt Kuringai company relocates buys in Somersby 20 The ‘Gig”antic changes coming our way – Deliveroo rider not an employee 21 Top pressures on business cash flow and how to get ahead of it Regular features 4 Edgar Adams’ Editorial 10 Manufacturing news 15 Central Coast Council News 17 Property News 20 Business Tips 22 Funny Business CO N T E N T S Phone 02 4367 0733 Email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Web www.ccbusinessreview.com.au CONTACT Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744 Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777 Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773 © Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any part prohibited.While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors. Central Coast Business Review Readership 20,000+ DISTRIBUTION GUARANTEED VIA AUSTRALIA POST In this issue CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
4 We’ll handle it from here • Major supplier of architectural hardware to the residential and commercial market • Door locks, handles, security and more • Consultation service available • Working closely with direct clients, builders, architects and interior designers • Visit our showroom today! Avoca Beach Architectural Hardware & Locksmiths www.avocaarchitectural.com.au 4382 1286 0412 437 327 177 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach info@avocaarchitectural.com.au IT IS AN ill wind that blows no good, someone once said. And maybe the collapse of the first Central Coast Council may have a silver lining to it. The announcement, in late September that Council would progress the work they have obviously been working on for some time with the redevelopment of the Gosford Waterfront is an opportunity that cannot be allowed to get side-tracked like so many in the past. Gosford’s waterfront is not only a major project for the city’s renewal but, even better, for it to be an undisputed opportunity for Gosford City to join the great waterfronts of the world. And this Council sees this. In many respects this Master Plan resembles the Our City Our Destiny Master Plan for Gosford City introduced in 2010 by the Gosford City Council and had widespread community support. So much so that the Labor Government set up the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation to make it happen. That it fell apart is now history and the community now has the chance to make it happen. However, to ensure that it does happen it will be essential for Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart to put in place a structure that cannot be changed when we revert to an elected council in September 2024. Council’s announcement comes at a time when we are seeing unprecedented developments now coming to fruition. Consider the following: Right now St Hilliers’ have started construction on the first of a two tower residential development overlooking Gosford Boat Harbour. St Hillers are now working on plans for the 2nd stage of the development of their site which will see a commercial office building and high-rise residential and retail/ entertainment development. The bulldozers are in on the Rumbalara Residences project (see Page 8) on John Whiteway Drive overlooking all of Gosford and Brisbane Water. Sydney developer Alceon has identified that there is a market for high end accommodation in Gosford. The Archibald development on the corner of Mann and Donaldson Streets, Gosford with its twin 28-storey towers comprising 5-Star hotel and rooftop bar and residential apartments is expected to commence construction in the next few months. ALAND who acquired the property earlier in the year has opened a Display Suite in Mann Street and is now selling off-the-plan. The University of Newcastle has lodged its Development Application with the Department of Planning for their much anticipated Gosford Campus in Mann Street. CCBR understands that Landcom, the state government’s property development organisation is moving forward with its plan to acquire the former Gosford Council Chambers and adjacent land. Landcom’s plans are for the council chamber building to be repurposed to provide additional space for the E D I T O R I A L Edgar Adams discusses local issues Edgar Adams Editor Council’s plans for Gosford Waterfront an opportunity we cannot allow to get side-tracked Conservatorium of Music along with high quality office accommodation. The land adjacent to that will see a new multi-level TAFE erected and the old TAFE redeveloped for affordable housing. We are expecting an official announcement by the end of this year on this project. Council is proceeding with the new Gosford Regional Library in Donnison street. A $27.7 million project with completion expected by May 2024. The City of Gosford is about to come alive, now is the time for the smart business operators to get in and take advantage of what is ahead. Mann Street is suffering the depravation of 30 years of neglect. One smart operator is Grant Buchan, a Sydney businessman and regular visitor the Coast who took note of the cranes that were up in Gosford in 2018 and 2019. He asked himself what will these people do when they move in as Gosford had nothing to offer. He set up Bay Rd Brewing in Donnison Street and the place is going gangbusters. There are opportunities galore coming in Gosford. Who will have the vision to see it all? CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
5 our teams include Across business, property, criminal, family law and wills & estates law, CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 Ms Martin said that we will need over 70,000 jobs to meet the needs of the region’s local growth and over 43,000 homes to accommodate our population needs. “A recent business conditions survey conducted by Business NSW clearly showed that businesses on the Coast have the capacity to grow but are hampered by labour shortages. Our jobs advertisements have doubled since 2019 with over 2000 jobs advertised across the Coast last month.” “The speed of which we fill these jobs is interrelated with our capacity to offer housing affordability options for our working locals. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY OPTIONS for Central Coast workers and the crisis that some 30% of local residents now face was the focus of some 150 local community and business leaders as well as local politicians at the Central Coast Housing Summit in early September. Also contributing to discussion were representatives from the Central Coast Local Health District, Central Coast Council, University of Newcastle, Urban Development Institute of Australia Central Coast Chapter and the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council which is the largest private landowner on the Central Coast. Sponsored by Business NSW, Regional Development Australia Central Coast and Pacific Link Housing the Forum also heard from Minister for Housing Anthony Roberts MP who announced that an Urban Development Programme would be extended to the Central Coast. Mr Roberts said, “this Programme will take charge of the co-ordination and delivery of a steady supply of housing, jobs and infrastructure on the Central Coast.” In her opening address to the Summit, Senior Director NSW Regions and Visitor Economy for Business NSW, Paula Martin, highlighted the issues facing the housing crisis. “Whilst NSW’s Population will grow 1% every year until 2040 the Central Coast is not far behind growing at 0.7% every year swelling to over 400,000 residents or an additional 56,000 residents by 2040. The importance of today’s discussion for business cannot be underestimated,” she said. Average weekly rent on the Central Coast is $620 and the Rental affordability index shows the region is unaffordable in every suburb, with the exception of some suburbs through to Toukley just pass as affordable. Just over 6% of our population or 22,500 receive rental assistance and we share the same rate of homelessness as Newcastle B U S I N E S S N E W S Housing industry Summit discusses housing crisis Leaders from across the building, property development, health and social housing sectors discussed the issues confronting the region in a panel format Minister for Housing, Anthony Roberts MP addresses the Summit CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
6 AT THE URBAN Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Central Coast Chapter’s half yearly luncheon in September more than 160 members and their guests heard from Minister for Planning and Homes, Anthony Roberts MP, on how the Government is working to achieve better development outcomes for the region. The Central Coast is expected to grow to more than 400,000 residents by 2041. Minister Roberts said that the region is unique in many ways both in terms of its identity and topography and the Government recognised that we need a local focus to deliver solutions to local issues. He said the new Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 will be released very soon. The Minister also confirmed that the Central Coast will have its own Urban Development Programme Committee to manage the pipeline of developmentready housing and employment land, and this is expected to get rolling this year with UDIA representing the development industry. When pressed on the status of the Central Coast strategic biocertification project, he said that the Department of Planning and Environment along with Central Coast Council are working closely to find a balanced solution on biodiversity constraints for the Coast. He encouraged Central Coast Council to apply for funding to unlock infrastructure under the current open Round 3 of the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund, with $300 million available for LGAs including Central Coast and those in the Lower Hunter. BOQ Erina Belinda Skepper, Owner-Manager 4372 5300 erina@boq.com.au facebook.com/boqerina boq.com.au Equipment finance is provided by BOQ Equipment Finance Limited ABN 78 008 492 582 (BOQEF). BOQEF is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ). BOQ does not guarantee or otherwise support the obligations or performance of BOQEF or the products it offers. Full terms and conditions available at any BOQ branch. Fees and charges are payable. BOQEF’s standard credit assessment criteria apply. Equip your business with BOQ Erina Financing your equipment with BOQ is simple. Whether you’re looking to grow your business or you have a project that needs new equipment, we’re committed to making the process of financing the equipment you need easy. Talk to us today! B U S I N E S S N E W S Minister Roberts addresses UDIA members The Greater Cities Commission has appointed the Hon. Robyn Parker a City Commissioner to represent the Central Coast City along with two other Commissioners who will represent Greater Newcastle and the Illawarra to lead the planning for the Six Cities for the next four years. The Commission says that the appointments come at an important time as it launches its Six Cities Discussion Paper and embarks on intensive engagement to inform the Six Cities Region and City Plans to be released from 2023. The Greater Cities Commission has been charged with creating Australia’s first global city region, delivering global economic scale and local liveability. Mr Roberts also acknowledged the important role the Central Coast Council played in the selection process. The Six Cities Region – Discussion Paper The Greater Cities Commission, in September, launched a Discussion Paper with Greater Cities Commission Chief Commissioner Geoff Roberts AM saying, “As we develop the Six Cities Region, we need to be bold and ambitious in tackling some of the defining issues of our time: housing, inequality, physical and digital connectivity, job opportunities and climate change. These are not simple issues. This discussion paper outlines the Commission’s emerging thinking on how we can realise the vision of the Six Cities Region, including six Region Shapers that we believe can get us there. Planning for our shared future is about improving the lives of the six million people who already live in the Six Cities Region and the millions more who will live in the region in the future. As we move from a metropolis of three cities to a region of six cities, our vision is to deliver global competitiveness and local liveability for the Six Cities RegionWe look forward to your feedback as to how we can collectively shape a globally relevant city region that offers inspiring places to live and work. (l to r) UDIA NSW President Stephen McMahon and CEO Steve Mann, UDIA CC Secretary Anna Cruckshank, Planning and Homes Minister Anthony Roberts MP and UDIA CC Chair Caine King. Greater Cities Commission appoints Central Coast Commissioner Greater Cities Central Coast Commissioner the Hon. Robyn Parker CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
7 CENTRAL COAST BUILDER North Construction & Building has cemented its reputation for being a trusted building partner by receiving a 4.0 Gold Star rating under the new independent Construction Industry Rating Tool, iCIRT. To celebrate the occasion North hosted a Building Industry Forum at Mingara Club last month with some 200 invited guests and special Guest Speaker, NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler OAM. The iCIRT rating spans between one and five gold stars. The more gold stars, the more confidence the public can have that the entity is likely to deliver a more reliable outcome. iCIRT is currently available to rate builders, developers and certifiers and in due course, iCIRT will be available to rate construction industry consultants (including designers, architects and engineers), suppliers and manufacturers. Only parties with three or more gold stars are included on the iCIRT register. This improved transparency is part of the NSW Government’s multi-pillar reform programme to restore confidence in the building sector for consumers and the broader community. The North business celebrates 35 years of operation this year. Commenting on their achievement Managing Director Matthew Cook said, “As a long-time player in the construction landscape, we have worked hard to build confidence back into our industry. A public register bringing more transparency and certainty is much needed and will hopefully encourage improved outcomes across the board.” Commenting on North’s achievement Mr Chandler said, “North Construction is a longstanding and highly regarded contractor and Central Coast corporate citizen. The company’s brand is associated with many iconic projects on the Central Coast. It is unsurprising that North Construction were a first mover to achieve an iCIRT rating. These ratings follow a rigorous and independent process. ‘ ‘ An iCIRT rating provides consumers with a new capability to help them make the most important investment in their life, their home. These ratings identify companies who should enjoy the privileges of a trustworthy player. Ratings help level the field an ensure that rated contractors like North Construction should not have to compete with companies who do not have these credentials.” “It is also pleasing to see community housing organisations like Home in Place now considering an iCIRT rating as a prequalification for tendering on future projects. There is a growing appreciation that developments undertaken by rated companies enhance the quality of the debt for projects they deliver. This is a huge value add for important clients like Home in Place as they further expand their portfolio of affordable housing B U S I N E S S N E W S at time where housing certainty is critical for many renters.” Building Commissioner lauds North for achieving iCIRT Gold Star rating North Construction Industry Forum Panel Discussion: (l to ) Katie Harbon, Policy Manager, NSWDepartment of Customer Service, BradWalters Head of Product and Rating Services, Equifax, Caine King Partner CKDS Architecture and Chair UDIA Central Coast, Brian Seidler Executive Director, Master Builders Association NSW, Lyndall Robertshaw, CEO Home in Place, NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler OAM. And Panel Moderator Jackie Svedas from Business NSW Regional Advisory Council. Matthew Cooke Managing Director North, David Chandler OAM and Ray Millar New Business Director North CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
8 Work starts on Rumbalara project for aspirational buyers ALCEON HAS BROKEN ground on its luxury residential masterplanned estate on the highest point at Gosford overlooking Brisbane Water. The developer has partnered with Sydney builder, Deicorp with Marchese Partners designing the plans. The 2.2ha Central Coast, NSW site will have 188 units with a mix of townhouses and apartments across four buildings at 89 John Whiteway Drive. Alceon development director Todd Campling said, “we are aiming at the aspirational buyer market. Gosford has the potential to attract this demographic and we are finding that is where our enquiry is coming from. Rumbalara will be a 6-star resort.” Although he did say that they had been surprised by the number of local buyers looking to downsize. “We have also had enquiry from the Gold Coast where one buyer wanted to return to the Central Coast and could moor his boat at the Gosford Sailing Club Marina.” Rumbalara Residences attracted more than 1300 enquiries in its first few weeks of sales when their Display Suite in the Bon Building in Gosford was opened, The interest prompted Alceon to bring forward the second stage, which will include construction of apartments as well as the clubhouse and the pool. Rumbalara Residences takes its name from the nearby Rumbalara Reserve which surrounds half the site. “Interest came mainly from home owners on the North Shore, Northern Beaches, Hills Shire, Inner West and Sutherland Shire looking to downsize,” Campling said. Rumbalara Apartments will comprise four buildings, one with 27 apartments, one with 47 apartments, one with 52 apartments and one with 62 apartments. The penthouses, labelled ‘treehouses’ by the developer, will have three car spaces each, the one and two-bedroom apartments will have one space and three-bedroom apartments two. Prices are in the $780,000 - $1.5 million range for 2-bedroom apartments, $1.4 - $2.5 million for 3-bedroom and penthouses from $2.7 - $4.0 million. There will be 4000sq m of resort-style grounds with a 1000sq m clubhouse. The amenities include an onsite concierge, dining room, wine cellar, private cinema, gym, day spa, tasting room, work from hot desk space, virtual golf simulator, bocce fields, billiards room, pool and forest lounge. Parking areas will be incorporated into the plans for the estate’s grounds with secret Deicorp, the first builder in NSW to achieve the coveted iCART rating for trustworthiness under the NSW Building Commission’s reforms,” Campling said. Completion of the first stage is expected in 2024. gardens, walkways, trails and lounges, pool decks and other areas built around them. Deicorp is the first builder to get the iCART rating under the new system in NSW. “The project is being built by and partnered with leading construction expert B U S I N E S S N E W S Opposition Leader guest speaker at Gosford Erina Business Chamber meeting State Opposition Leader, Chris Minns MP and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch MP attended a special members meeting of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber on 7th September at Drifters Wharf and met with Chamber members. Chamber President Peter Lawley in weloming Mr Minns highlighted the many issues affecting Gosford including development of the Gosford Waterfront. Mr Minns said that in government he and the four local Labor Members would have a strong focus on the issues confronting the Central Coast and in particular Gosford. NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns MP addresses member of Gosford Erina Business Chamber Architect’s image showing the first of four low rise Rumbalara Residences buildings now under construction Immaculate landscaped gardens with pool deck, natural rock pools, putting green and Bocce fields are the central feature of Rumbalara Apartments CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
9 Chartered Accountants Audit, Taxation and SMSF services for SMEs and Individuals. We provide support, business advice and strategy on accounting, taxation and self-managed super funds. FAST • RELIABLE • PERSONAL • PROACTIVE www.harwoods.com.au | 02 4365 3142 Suite 3.29 Platinum West 4 Ilya Ave, Erina NSW 2250 B U S I N E S S N E W S FOLLOWING CCBR’S REPORT on Development Approval delays at Central Coast Council last month Craig Jennion, Executive Director – Hunter of the Housing Industry Association has responded. Mr Jennion says, “For a number of years HIA members have advised of significant delays when lodging Central Coast Council development applications via the Planning Portal”. “HIA is aware that there appears to be ongoing technical concerns with the new Planning Portal, while others appear to be Council resourcing and technology related”. “HIA is very much aware of the circumstances that the Council finds itself financially and whilst sympathetic HIA had expected, and hoped, to see an improvement in these ongoing pressures in 2022. It is clear that Council resources are not appropriate considering the high number of development approvals council currently has outstanding”. “HIA is increasingly concerned that industry and homeowners are not able to obtain development approvals in a timely fashion. The delays in determining DAs, which regularly exceeds 6 months, is creating significant anxiety for industry”. “Numerous NSW Department of Planning documents state that ‘the DA process is a key link in the housing supply chain and impacts on how efficiently new housing can be delivered to the market’. In recognition of this, the previous Premier Gladys Berejiklian set a priority in 2017 for faster housing approvals, with a target of 90 per cent of housing approvals to be determined within 40 days. It is not the experience of HIA members that these targets are currently being met”. “With both development applications and approvals within the LGA remaining above pre-pandemic levels HIA believes that one of the greatest threats to industry is councils ability to issue determinations”. “The performance of council and the subsequent delays is placing considerable stress on both builders and homeowners resulting in substantial increases in the cost of construction”. “The pressure being placed on customers to wait longer for work to start, and to manage increasing prices for labour and materials, is not a welcome situation. Getting a home built on time and on budget must be a priority for everyone – builders, customers, banks and most importantly on the Central Coast, council”. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 HIA responds to DA delays The initial Newcastle-Sydney section of a proposed 250kmh bullet train system connecting Melbourne to Sydney and Brisbane is to move ahead with the Federal Government establishing a high-speed rail authority. The project will receive $500 million of federal government backing, as part of its first budget, for corridor planning and early works If realised, the Newcastle-to-Sydney stage will slash travel times from more than 2.5 hours to 45 minutes. Sydney to Gosford would take half an hour. The line would include stops on the Central Coast, Wyong and Gosford. It is expected to take eight years to construct and cost more than $20 billion. The authority will also plan for fast trains connecting Brisbane and Melbourne with stops in Canberra, Sydney and regional centres. The entire 1750km railway project, which Feds kick in $500 million for SydneyNewcastle fast train CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
10 The last day of the Expo was set aside as a Careers Day that saw over a hundred senior school students from across the Coast attend. Mr Sammut said that 54% of students spoke to employers about a job in the manufacturing sector with 38% enquiring about study pathways needed for manufacturing jobs. Over 80% said that it had been worthwhile attending the event. Central Coast industry festival He said, “At this difficult time with labour shortages and high sick leave in the sector, we still managed to get good attendances to our Festival with the feedback being extremely positive from the participants and visitors. It’s times like this that reinforce the importance of learning and engaging with your peers to ensure you can ride through these difficult times. We are all in this together.” M A N U FA C T U R I N G N E W S Careers Day (l to r) IQ Renew CEO Graham Knowles, Trendpac Managing Director Steven Hyde, Trendpac R&D Chemist Nataliya Gorval and Bioaction Managing Director Larry Botham Established in 1963 and located at Berkeley Vale Trendpac develops and manufactures non-food private label products for the consumer market Rodney Boag Director of Products and Services with Graeme Sheekey General Manager Chamberlain Group Based at West Gosford Chamberlain Group manufactures Grifco operators for commercial doors and gates. Sam Fink General Manager and Mike Thompson Managing Director Pro Ali Design Pty Ltd Established in 1986 by Miles Fink and based at North Gosford, Pro Ali Design designs and manufactures stainless steel conveying systems for the food industry (l to r) NAB Senior Business Banking Manager Kevin Ure with Brendan and Nancy Small Founders of Spot Go. Founded in 2013 by Brendan and Nancy Small, Spot Go is a Wyong based manufacturer that has developed a premium carpet spot cleaner for the Australian consumer market. Herbies Spices Founder Ian Hemphill with MiaVanTubbergh from Elm Professional Services Founded by Ian and Elizabeth Hemphill and operating from their Spicery at Charmhaven, Herbie Spices is one of Australia’s best known spice brands. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
11 M A N U FA C T U R I N G N E W S Manufacturers Expo highlights depth of Coast’s manufacturing industries HELD AT THE end of August the inaugural Central Coast Industry Festival’s highly successful Workshops programme (reported on in CCBR August) was succeeded by an equally successful three-day Expo at which some of the region’s leading manufacturers exhibited their products. Forty Central Coast manufacturers exhibited at the Expo plus a further fourteen sponsors. Over 800 visitors from business, the local community along with 200 invited high school students from local schools. Speaking at the conclusion of the Expo Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer spoke if the value of industry clusters and referred to the success of a tourism industry cluster at Cairns. He said that the Central Coast cluster of manufacturers was impressive as illustrated by the numbers who had attended the Workshops and Expo. The Expo bought leading manufacturing and related businesses together to network, collaborate, learn new skills and showcase their products to businesses, students and the local community. CCIC Executive Director Frank Sammut said the two-week Festival, which included nine workshops, had exceeded expectations. Over 80% of exhibitors said they had picked up new leads or potential business with two enquiries from Sydney based businesses who visited the event starting discussions on possible expansion into the region. NEW PATIENTS Comprehensive checkup & clean Includes up to 5 x-rays No Gap (with health insurance) or $290 OFFERS (all patients) Free orthodontic consultation Free dental implant consultation Free cosmetic makeover consultation FINANCE We bulk bill the Medicare CDBS Zip Pay & Zip Money payment plans We partner with SuperCare General Dentistry | Emergency Care | Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontics & Invisalign | Sleep Dentistry IV Sedation | Oral Surgery Wisdom Teeth Removal | Dental Implants | 3D CT Scanning 02 4323 1933 | www.vcdental.com.au Suite 10, 36-40 Victoria Street, East Gosford NSW 2250 OPEN 7 DAYS 40 YEARS LOCAL Over 800 visitors attended the Central Coast Manufacturers’ Festival at the Mingara Club over 4 days Kulnura family owned fruit juice and mineral water producer Eastcoast Beverages’ stand at the Expo. Peter Marzec Sales Manager and Rob Hattingh Owner, Vegetali Foods Pty Ltd Based at Somersby, Vegetali Foods are a boutique food manufacturer producing sauces and condiments for the consumer market Frank Sammut CCIC Executive Director CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
12 B U S I N E S S N E W S North Construction & Building Award Sponsor Lou Stojanovski from Sponsor Keystone Lawyers with Leading Hand Karly Falzon and Project Manager Joel Price from North Construction & Building Public Buildings $3 million to $6 million category The Glen for Women facility for indigenous women at Chittaway Point Medium Density Development – under $10 million category Compass Housing residential development at Wickham. Commercial Projects – over $10 million category Cutcher & Neale Head Office Newcastle 2022 Apprentice of the Year – Commercial Aaron Laksa Coast builders shine at Newcastle MBA 2022 Excellence Awards TWO CENTRAL COAST builders, Tuggerah based North Construction & Building and Erina based Stevens Construction have taken out a number of winners’ awards at the 2022 Newcastle Regional Excellence in Building Awards Celebrating outstanding achievements by companies and individuals in the construction industry throughout the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and New England regions of NSW both North and Stevens were pitted against some of the best known building companies in the region. Commenting on the awards NSW Master Builders Association President Simon Pilcher said that it is worth noting that the building and construction sector engages and gives more opportunities to small businesses than any other industry in Australia. Both winners will now progress to the NSW state awards to be held later this year. Stevens Construction (NSW) Pty Ltd Award Sponsor Nathan Hamilton from SafeWork NSW with Stevens Construction Director Steven Mailey and Project Manager with Matthew Gibbens from Gibbens Group developer of the ING Tower Building Apartment Developments – under $30 million category Ravello – Point Frederick Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability – Commercial category ING Tower Building Wyong Award Sponsor Lou Stojanovski from Sponsor Keystone Lawyers with Leading Hand Karly Falzon and Project Manager Joel Price from North Construction & Building Award Sponsor Nathan Hamilton from SafeWork NSW with Stevens Construction Director Steven Mailey and Project Manager with Matthew Gibbens from Gibbens Group developer of the ING Tower Building CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
13 BROKEN BAY PEARL Farm is set to establish a seafood processing facility adjacent to their Shellar Door at Mooney Mooney. This follows the company receiving a grant of $100,000 from the Regional Job Creation Fund last year. Broken Bay Pearl Farm Sales Manager Tamika Michie said that Akoya Oyster meat, while much different to the Sydney Rock Oyster, is a new seafood product that the company wants to introduce to the market. “It is versatile and has a particular taste that our studies have shown could be well received at the top end of the oyster market,” she said. Broken Bay Pearls have come a long way since being established by Brisbane Water oyster farmers Ian and Rose Crisp in 2003. During the following years the Crisps learned the techniques of pearl and pearl oyster production using the Akoya pearl oyster. At the time Mr Crisp said that the pristine waters of Brisbane Water and Broken Bay was the perfect environment to grow the Akoya oyster which is native to the East Coast of Australia. Mr Crisp said that the Akoya pearl is naturally lustrous and uniquely pure. By 2010 Akoya pearls were being marketed through one of Sydney’s leading jewelers and the Crisp’s pearl farming venture was proving to be successful. So successful was the Broken Bay Pearl Farm that the eye of one of Australia’s most successful and long established pearl farmers, James Brown from Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm in Broome Western Australia, and in 2017 the Crisps entered an exciting partnership with James Brown and Pearls of Australia was born. Meanwhile the operation in Brisbane Water had been relocated to Mooney Mooney. Much earlier, in 2007 the pearling industry in and around Broome had collapsed following the Global Financial Crisis, with Cygnet Bay being one of the few survivors. Their survival was the result of Mr Brown’s decision to turn pearl oyster farming into a tourist attraction which now draws thousand of visitors each year to Broome. B U S I N E S S N E W S Are you a Central Coast based Hospitality Business? We can help you protect your company. CONTACT US centralcoast@oraclegroup.com.au Fountain Plaza, Erina NSW 2250 02 4322 7856 Oracle Group (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 75 131 025 600 AFSL 363610 With Mooney Mooney being an obvious location for a tourist operation to be linked to pearl farming the new venture with a ‘Shellar Door’ where high grade pearl jewelry is created in-house and sold exclusively from this location. Akoya Oyster showing meat and pearl Broken Bay Pearl Farm to establish seafood processing facility Broken Bay Pearl Farm Shellar Door at Mooney Mooney. NSW Sales Manager Kate Trotter with WA Sales Manager Tamika Michie CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
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15 C E N T R A L CO A S T CO U N C I L N E W S AT ITS 27TH September meeting Central Coast Council adopted the Gosford Waterfront Concept and will develop a draft Waterfront Masterplan. Council will now proceed to get community feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan and seek government funding to progress the business case for the project as well as government investment. Council has been working behind the scenes since April 2021 when the decision was taken to develop a Waterfront Renewal Framework and identify the opportunities identified in previous proposals and reports. Council says the time is right for a collective vision to make Gosford an iconic waterfront city. “Gosford’s waterfront is not only a major opportunity for the city’s renewal but, even better, an undisputed opportunity for Gosford City to join the great waterfronts of the world”, Council says. The area under review extends from Gosford Sailing Club around to railway bridge over the entrance to Narara Creek. It will comprise: • A residential and commercial component, • Boutique hotel, • Ferry terminal, • Marina berths, • Dry boat storages, • Multi level car park, • Redevelopment of the Olympic Pool, and • Other community facilities It will be linked by a pedestrian bridge over the main road as well as an underbridge pedestrian walkway. Council has not reinvented the wheel but added to the multitude of state government strategic documents that have identified the waterfront as being a regional attractor over the years. These documents include: • The NSW Government Architect’s Gosford Urban Design Framework (2018), • Council’s Interim Local Strategic Planning Statement (2020), • Council’s Economic Development Strategy (2020), • Somersby to Erina Growth Corridor (Southern Growth Corridor) (2019, • The Gosford City SEPP and associated Development Control Plan, and • Gosford Council’s Our City Our Destiny Gosford City Masterplan (2010) By taking on board the Our City Our Destiny masterplan Council has in particular taken advantage of the extensive work carried out by the Gosford Council’s Gosford Challenge project over two years which resulted in the Out City Our Destiny Masterplan. Council’s Plan for Gosford to be iconic waterfront city GosfordWaterfront Concept Plan GosfordWaterfront Masterplan – aerial layout of proposed projects CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
16 P R O P E R T Y N E W S Suite 401/1 Bryant Drive, TUGGERAH NSW 2259 87 Mann Street, GOSFORD NSW 2250 Central Coast (02) 4353 7700 TOP OFFICE INTERNATIONALLY NUMBER OF SALES 2021 – 2022 Begin with the No. 1 Ty Blanch & Brett Dowling Focus Marketing Area Specialist Tuggerah, Wyong & Berkeley Vale •SUPERB COASTAL LOCATION Commercial Central Coast rhc.com.au/centralcoast Brad Rogers 0459 921 122 AUCTION: THURSDAY, 17THNOVEMBER 11AMONSITE Mark Davies 0422 442 858 1/13 MITCHELL STREET, NORAH HEAD MORTGAGEE SALE AUCTION • COMMERCIAL / MEDICAL USE * under instructions from the Agent for the Mortgagee in Possession • FLEXIBLE B1 NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE This quality locally owned and managed business has been successfully operated by the same owner for over 36 years and is offered for sale for the first time as the owner wishes to retire. The business enjoys an enviable reputation for locking systems and door furniture and is a major supplier of residential and commercial architectural hardware across the Central Coast and throughout Australia working with architects, builders and the general public. Turnover $900,000+ including Online turnover The current owner will continue to support the new owner Contact: Derek – 0412 437 327 FOR SALE Locksmith and Architectural Hardware – Avoca Beach PRICE ON APPLICATION CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
17 P R O P E R T Y • Flexible lease terms • Competitive rentals • Excellent parking • Air-conditioning, carpets, kitchenette • Balcony access for East Wing suites • Exposure of Complex to Tuggerah Straight FOR LEASE PROFESSIONAL & SPECIALIST MEDICAL SUITES 152-154 PACIFIC HIGHWAY TUGGERAH Easy Parking, great exposure, well maintained & presented property with well known quality tenants including Trader Vics, BCF & Super Cheap Auto, PRP Radiology, Australian Clinical Labs Pathology, Fullerton Health Medical Centre, Geriatrician; Psychologists, Dentist, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Cafe & more. Ideal for the Professional, Legal, Financial or Medical Specialist with sizes from 16m2 up to 95m2 suitable to Lease or Purchase. Features include: For further details contact Julie Davies on 0402 779 186 An industrial property at 14 Mildon Road, Tuggerah has sold at auction for $2,660,00 (GST not applicable) after spirited bidding from six registered bidders pushed the final price above the reserve. Built around 30 years ago the property comprises a 1,403sqm Hebel block and Colourbond clearspan factory and warehouse building with showroom and office mezzanine area on a 2,025sqm site zoned B6:Enterprise Corridor. The property is leased to kitchen manufacturer HK Kitchens on a 2 year lease commencing 28th September 2021 plus 5 year options to 2036 at a new rent from 1 October 2022 of $155,967 per annum net plus Outgoings and GST. Initial return of investment for the Sydney based investor is 5.9% per annum. The property was sold through Argyle Estates Business Brokers in conjunction with agents Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling of LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast with the auction taking place in their Auction Room at Tuggerah. Auctioneer was Lachlan Macdonald from Cooley Auctions. Strong investor support for Tuggerah industrial property Buyer to occupy part of West Gosford purchase The buyer of the property at 19 Jusfrute Drive, West Gosford with 3 sheds thereon intends to occupy one and leave current tenants in place. The 1,486sqm rectangular property has potential has potential for redevelopment. Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale. Wyong factory unit sold to Sydney investor A Sydney investor has paid $350,000 plus GST for Unit 15, 9/11 Willow Tree Road, Wyong. The 124sqm unit is part of the larger complex on the corner of Willow Tree Road and Pavitt Crescent built around 2007. Mark Davies from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale. Owner occupier buys Kincumber industrial unit A kitchen company that has occupied Unit 7, 6 Kerta Road, Kincumber has purchased the property paying $670,000 (GST not applicable). The 230sqm unit is part of a 10 unit complex built in the 1990s in the Kincumber industrial area. Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale. Sydney investor buys in Highpoint Erina A Sydney investor has paid $1,250,000 (GST not applicable) for Suite 5, Highpoint, 257259 The Entrance Road, Erina. The property comprises two tenants; Stevens Group Head Office and Professionals Real Estate with an area of 251sqm, all with an impressive office fitout. Stevens Group has a 3 year lease to 2024 and 3 year option, Professionals Real Estate has 3 year lease to December 2023. Total net income for both is $88,915 with fixed 3% annual rent increases. Highpoint is located at the intersection of The Entrance Road, Terrigal Drive and Barralong Road Erina. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
18 P R O P E R T Y N E W S An education company providing facilities for international students has leased all of Level 2 at 40 Mann Street, Gosford. The 679sqm space includes a high quality fitout comprising large reception, board room, seminar/presentation room, staff lunch room and modern partitioned offices and interview rooms. Terms of lease are $183,330 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Built in the early 1970s the property underwent a substantial renovation about five years ago Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. Well known café owner James Nouri has leased Shop 2 and 3 at 16 Deane Street, Narara. Shop area is 255sqm and has extensive onsite parking. The well known convenience store is located alongside a liquor store and close to Narara railway station. Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. Education company leases in Gosford James Nouri leases Narara convenience store Under ground services company leases at Tuggerah Underground locating and mapping services company SureSearch has leased a 200sqm building with secure yard area of $1,600 sqm at 33 Ace Crescent, Tuggerah. Terms of lease are 2 years with 2 year option at a rental of $49,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Mark Davies from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. Game company leases at Tuggerah Game company Escape Reality has leased Unit 4 15/17 Anzac Road, Tuggerah. Terms of lease for the 300sqm space is 6 years with 5 year option at a rental of $55,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. Facilities management company leases Tuggerah unit Facilities management company Brightfield Management have leased Unit 10C/1 Bounty Close, Tuggerah Business Park. The unit with 164sqm ground floor space with 60sqm warehouse space comprises 8 partitioned offices with additional workspace areas, reception and amenities. Terms of lease are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $44,244 per annum including Outgoings and GST. Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. Disability service leases in Wyong 24/7 Care Disability Services Pty Ltd have leased a freestanding office at 188-190 Pacific Highway, Wyong . Terms of lease are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $48,000 including Outgoings plus GST. Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. Disability service leases in Gosford Lifestart Gosford, a disability service for children and young people has leased the 1st floor, a 273sqm space at 138 Faunce Street, Gosford. Terms of lease are 2 years with 2 year option at a rental of $70,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. Fitness centre leases at Charmhaven A fitness centre has leased a 997sqm unit on a 3,696sqm lot at 5 Botham Close, Charmhaven. The property was once used as a furniture warehouse. Terms of lease are 3 years and 3 year option at a rental of $97,572 per annual plus Outgoings and GST. Rio Williams from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
19 P R O P E R T Y N E W S A company based in the Kuringai Industrial Estate is relocating and has bought Unit 6 at 21 Kangoo Road, Somersby. The unit comprises 285sqm ground floor area with amenities plus a 64sqm mezzanine It is part of a 22 unit complex built about 15 years ago. Price paid was $920,000 (GST not applicable). Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale. Local investor buys Wyong unit A local investor has paid $350,000 (GST not applicable) for a 124sqm unit in a 18 unit factory/warehouse complex at 9-11 Willow Tree Road, North Wyong. Unit 6 was last traded in 2008 for $132,000 (Source: RPData) Mark Davies from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale. Umina Beach retail sold Shop 1, at 311 Trafalgar Avenue, Umina Beach, a 112sqm air conditioned retail space with 20sqm external alfresco area and full size kitchen has sold for $697,500 (GST not applicable). The buyer is the operator of a successful pizza business and will trade as ‘On A Roll’ Pop Up Shop. The 311 Trafalgar Avenue property is a shop top development with street level retail and three residential levels built around 2001. It is directly opposite Aldi and West Street. Mt Kuringai company relocates buys in Somersby CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
20 B U S I N E S S T I P S The ‘Gig’antic changes coming our way - Deliveroo rider not an employee FOR AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSES, knowing who an employee is and, more importantly, when an employment relationship exists can be difficult. In the courts, these relationships are generally characterised as either principal-contractor relationship or employer-employee relationship and the ways the courts are viewing these arrangements is changing rapidly. It is important that businesses, their employees and suppliers clearly understand the nature of the business relationship, particularly as a wide range of businesses liabilities can arise when problems occur. For example, questions can arise regarding whether contractors are actually employees, creating issues with ending the commercial relationship. Two recent judgments in the High Court earlier this year (Personnel Contracting Case and Jamsek Case), show employers that judges’ views on these commercial relationships have changed. What has changed? The key question in these cases is whether an employment relationship exists. These questions often arise where businesses engage contractors and issues arise. The Courts then look at whether an ‘employment-like relationship’ exists. In these cases, the questions are broader than simply seeking if there was (or is) an employment contract in place. Previously a key fact the Courts would consider related only to the contracts (both written and implied) in place. In these situations, the performance of the contract and the conduct of each party to the contract (that is the business and the employee or contractor) were always the most relevant factors used when determining the nature of the commercial relationship. Due to the latest judgments, this is no longer the case. After the Personnel Contracting Case, judges are relying completely on the terms of any contract to determine the kind of employee or contractor relationship exists. That means that, where a written contract is in place, the Courts will only consider the rights and obligations under that contract to work out the kinds of commercial relationship that exists. What does this mean for Businesses? This means businesses needs to both make sure that appropriate contracts are in place and understand that the terms of the contract are now key to determining the relationship between the parties. Although the Courts will still consider subsequent conduct of the parties (how you acted after the contract was signed) to determine if the original contract has been altered by the actions taken, the written terms of any contract are now the key factor. Deliveroo Australia Pty Ltd v Diego Franco In a recent highly publicised decision, the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) overturned an unfair dismissal claim by a Deliveroo rider, Mr Diego Franco, stating that he was not an employee. This had led many employers to expect that their contractors will not be viewed as employees in the Commission and Courts. This is not a prudent approach. The Full Bench distilled the four key criteria from the High Court decision in the By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers Feds kick in $500 million for Sydney-Newcastle fast train CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 Personnel Contracting Case, being; i. The terms of the Agreement indicated lack of control over the manner of performance of any work; ii. Mr Franco was to provide a vehicle – “substantial item of mechanical equipment” such that “the personal is overshadowed by the mechanical” (as relied in Jamsek Case); iii. The terms of the Agreement did not require personal service on the part of Mr Franco (delegation was not only allowed but required no prior approval from Deliveroo); iv. Payment of an administrative fee by Mr Franco for access to Deliveroo’s software and for Deliveroo providing invoices and other administrative services. Based upon these findings, the Deliveroo rider was a contractor and not an employee. How does this affect businesses? These judgments continue to impact the cases that are coming before the Commission. It is important for small and large businesses to realise that some common practices that businesses had relied on in contractor agreements may now be invalid. For example, the existence of a contractual right to control the activities of a worker (including how, where and when the work is done) is a major signifier of an employment relationship. Or the label that a business may add in a contract to define the nature of the relationship will no longer be able to be used to determine that the relationship is one of a contractor (for example). Now is the time for businesses to have their contractor arrangements reviewed by their solicitors to ensure that these arrangements in principle continue to remain the same arrangement as agreed upon. could potentially involve 15 years of planning and 30 years of construction, will cost north of $130 billion. The new statutory authority has been tasked with starting the major infrastructure project that, if realised, will deliver a fast train network connecting the eastern seaboard for the first time. A board made up of rail and infrastructure sector experts will oversee the longterm project, which will provide independent advice to governments on planning and delivery. It will also be the lead agency to co-ordinate the project with the states and territories. Transport Minister Catherine King said the authority would work with consortiums collaboratively and with transparency to investigate alternate funding and financing opportunities including value uplift for the “important nation-building project”. There has been very little action to progress high speed rail in Australia, until now,” King said. “This is a long-term project that will not only significantly reduce travel times but also unlock regional economies providing significant employment opportunities and supplying a remarkable economic boost in the medium and long term.” Th 64-page Discussion Paper is available online via the Greater Cities Commission website. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2022
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